Traumatic aseptic osteitis pubis

We studied 78 cases of traumatic aseptic osteitis pubis among Saudi athletes to elucidate the clinical and radiological features of the condition as well as the outcome of management and the etiology. The most common presenting complaints were pain in the groin and lower abdomen, and tenderness over the symphysis pubis. Widening and osteolysis of the symphysis pubis were the most frequent radiological changes. Routine laboratory tests showed no abnormalities in any of our patients. Conservative treatment, consisting of avoidance of sporting activity, use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy, effected cure in 75% of our patients. Further management was needed in the remaining 25%. The disorder is relatively common among Saudi football players, with trauma the likely cause. Conservative treatment is successful in most patients

Experience of the orthopedic division at King Saud university in organizing and conducting the objective structured clinical examination [OSCE]

The objective structured clinical examination [OSCE] as a format of testing has been used by the Orthopaedic Division at the Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University since 1984. The aim of this report is to present our experience in organizing and conducting the test and to discuss the advantages and limitations. With careful planning, this method of testing has the content validity, reliability and objectivity and it allows testing a large number of students in a short period of time. The limitations and disadvantages of this examination include the inability to test the student's skill to look at the patient as a whole, the examination could be demanding for both examiners and patients. and the initial organization could be difficult and time consuming. It was concluded that further research is needed to find the appropriate methods in order to overcome these limitations

experimental study of the effect of eating dates [tamre] on fracture healing in rats

An experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of eating dates [Tamre] on fracture healing. This experiment was prompted by the frequent questioning by patients and relatives regarding the myth that eating Tamre has an unfavourable effect on fracture healing. Seventy-eight animals, male Wistar-type rats, with an average weight of 500 g were divided randomly into three groups: Group C [control] received a normal diet; experimental Group I had 50% of their diets substituted by dates; and, Group II had 25% of their diets substituted by dates [Tamre-Khidri type]. Under anaesthesia, the right tibia was fractured in all groups and the fractures were fixed using intramedullary Kirchner's wires. At regular intervals, one rat of each group was sacrificed and the healing was tested radiologically and mechanically. The overall results shewed no significant difference between Group C [control] and Group II, whereas in Group I, there was a higher incidence of delayed union and non-union. It was concluded that eating dates [Tamre] has no unfavourable effect on fracture healing unless it is the main source of food

Segmental and comminuted segmental femoral shaft fractures - a study of 33 cases

The results of a study of 33 cases of segmental and comminuted segmental femoral shaft fractures, treated under our care from January 1980 to December 1985, are presented and analysed. This paper provides a useful classification of this type of injury and compares the results of different types of treatment. Depending upon the severity of comminution, these fractures have been classified into: segmental fractures, split segmental fractures, and multifragmented segmental fractures. In this study 13 cases were treated by traction, six cases by AO intramedullary nail, nine cases by AO condylar plate and five cases by AO external fixator. By analyzing the results of different methods of treatment, it was found that segmental and split segmental fractures are best treated by internal fixation. Displaced unstable multifragmented segmental fractures are best treated by external fixation, while undisplaced stable fractures are best treated by traction. Cases of segmental and split segmental fractures, treated by traction, had unsatisfactory results because of angulation and shortening